WSJ: Google and Motorola working on phone and tablet

WSJ: Google and Motorola working on phone and tablet

"X Phone" focuses on photo-taking and camera; should be followed up by a tablet

by Omar Qudsi, 2012/12/26

Ever since Google purchased Motorola for the whopping sum of $12.5bn last August, analysts have been expecting big things from the duo. Sadly, fruits of the endeavor have yet to materialize, though that may be changing based on the latest report.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Google and Motorola are working on a cutting-edge smartphone under the supervision of Lior Ron, a former member of Google's Map Team. The smartphone, codenamed "X Phone", will supposedly be followed up by a tablet device after its launch and could feature technology such as a bendable screen and ceramics.

The device is still in early stages of development, but Motorola appears to be focusing on outfitting it with the latest in camera and picture-taking technology. The WSJ also mentions that Motorola may look for help from the recently purchased Viewdle, which specializes in gesture-recognition and imaging.

While Google already has their own flagship Android device in the LG-manufactured Nexus 4, this new phone would be their first independently produced smartphone. Furthermore, Samsung also has a strong relationship with Google via the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets, and it will have to be seen if future tablets affect this alliance.